Choosing a Medical School

Haha, I typed "Shoosing a Medical School" because I was thinking of "Selecting" and "Choosing" at the same time. Either way, this article should help you "shoose" the med school that's right for you.

Alright, so you've been accepted! Definitely take time to celebrate and share the excitement with the people you care about.

However, now, you've got a decision to make about where to attend. The most important advice I have here is "go where you think you'll be happy," and "consider where you had a great interview day."

I can't decide for you, and no one else can, but hopefully my post can help a little.

The schools I considered the most (I've narrowed it down but I'm still deciding and waiting to hear back from one final school) were the ones where I felt put together a great interview day. Applying for medical school and going to interviews is expensive, and kind of stress-inducing, so it's nice when a school does what it can to make your interview day really smooth.

Warmth (for lack of a better term): Warmth of the place you're at might not seem like a big deal at first, but you'll be there for 4 years (or more if you're doing a research track). See if the students really collaborate a lot and are friendly, rather than competitive and not open to helping. I haven't interviewed at a school where students seemed self-interested, but I'm sure different people get different vibes.

Research: Are you interested in becoming an MD/PhD or researching as an MD? Then I'd consider looking at the calibre of research at that institution, but if you're more focused on developing clinical skills, I'd take a look at the medical school's clinical training sites.

Reputation: From what I've heard, where you go to med school doesn't matter that much when it comes to residency (but I'm totally open to being corrected, enlightened). I think you have to just do really well on your boards and clinical rotations, and also get solid rec letters, and you should be in good shape.

I wouldn't let this "lower-tier" or "high-prestige" talk get to you, go where you'll be happy for the next 4 pretty intense years of your life, and where you think you can have a great support system, as well as great clinical training.